By NDUMBE BELL GASTON
The Nigerian Community in Douala and those across the nation converged on the Consulate General in Douala last Wednesday February 19, where they were informed of the new Nigerian government policy that Nigerians living within their borders and those in diaspora must possess digitised Nigerian identity cards or lose their rights to process and acquire all other important travelling and business documents, among others.
The stern warning was revealed on the occasion of the launching of the maiden enrollment centres by the representatives of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in collaboration with Slogani Consultants who were dispatched from Nigeria to reach out to all citizens in Cameroon.
“We are flagging it off today. So key in”, the host, His Excellency S.O. Olaniyan, the Consul General of Douala and West region told. He was flanked by his wife and colleague, His Excellency the Consul-General of Buea and Bamenda, Mohammed Bashir including community leaders from everywhere.
“For one to enjoy any service in Nigeria, you must be with an I.D. It is not if you want. You don’t have a choice. It is a responsibility. The enrollment is a global issue and it has become worrisome. It keeps everyone safe. Let us all be active participants to build the Nigeria we want if we have to take strides. No blames no by-standing. So, key in”, His Excellency S.O. Olaniyan said.
His Excellency the Consul General of Buea and Bamenda reiterated the message of his Douala colleague: “Let us make sure that we are captured in this because it is an issue of necessity and in your best interest. Let us take this matter very seriously”. He promised to facilitate procedures for Nigeria members of his jurisdiction.
Madam Olaniyan, on her part, encouraged everybody to do one: “All the documents have come to your doorsteps. It’s not expensive. The women leaders here had been sensitised”.
The head of Delegation of the National Identity Management Commission from Abuja Gbolahan Oluwatobiloba who came to open enrollment centres, had much to say on issues related to biometrics to assure identification and the national data base, but briefly stated that “Nigerians should not be left behind in the world of advanced technology. The details of NIM are fundamental and functional. Some criteria are a valid international passport or go to your consulate and they will tell you what to do. Modifications in I.Ds to correct names and birthdates will demand serious security checks. You are allowed to change only once. In Nigeria registration is free. In case you modify you pay a token. Registration in Diasporas is accompanied by a fee and when in need of modification, you pay something. The consulates are sure sources. Join if you love your country. Your number is for life and its unique to you.”